Software Configuration Program for Complex Applications

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Solution Overview

Problem

Configuring complex software applications is challenging due to the lack of ensuring proper selection of dependent tasks and the need for users to verify the effectiveness of selections through trial and error, especially when dealing with multiple languages.

Innovation Solution

A software configuration program that uses design-time and run-time modules to create and manage an executable configuration process, including rule-based option selection, textual explanations, and language translation, ensuring accurate and efficient configuration without requiring separate programs for different languages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a software configuration program uses graphical displays to prompt users for responses, then the configuration process is simplified for users, but the program cannot ensure proper selection of dependent tasks in complex software applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration process simplicityVSAvoidproper selection of dependent tasks
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining configuration steps, options, and dependencies before the user interacts with the system. The configuration program contains pre-organized sequences of tasks with predetermined valid options, so the user doesn't need to determine proper selections during configuration. This resolves the contradiction by preparing the configuration path in advance while maintaining user-friendly interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the configuration program validates user selections and provides guidance based on previous responses. The system dynamically adjusts subsequent configuration steps based on what the user has selected, ensuring proper sequencing of dependent tasks while keeping the interface simple. This feedback loop maintains both ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If users manually configure software applications step by step, then the configuration can be customized, but users must verify effectiveness through trial and error which is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration customizationVSAvoidverification time through trial and error
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the configuration sequence and valid options before user interaction. The program contains pre-organized steps with predetermined valid selections, eliminating the need for trial and error. Users still get customized configurations through their choices within the pre-defined framework, but without time-consuming verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The configuration program performs self-validation and self-guidance, automatically ensuring proper sequencing and validity of configurations. The system validates selections in real-time and provides guidance, so users don't need to manually verify effectiveness. This self-service approach maintains customization while eliminating trial and error time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate software configuration programs are created for different languages, then each language can be optimized, but the device complexity and development effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelanguage-specific optimizationVSAvoidnumber of configuration programs
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by creating a single configuration program that serves multiple languages through a common framework. The program uses a universal structure where textual explanations and prompts can be translated into different languages without changing the core configuration logic. This allows one program to serve multiple language markets while maintaining language-specific optimization through translation layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by creating language-specific versions through translation of textual elements rather than creating entirely separate programs. The core configuration logic remains identical, with only the textual explanations and prompts being copied/translated into different languages. This reduces complexity compared to developing separate programs while still providing language-specific optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS7861177B2Software configuration program for software applications
Publication Date: 2010.12.28 SAP SE
  • US7861177B2 patent drawing
  • US7861177B2 patent drawing
  • US7861177B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Techniques are provided that are useful in generating a software configuration program that makes the configuration process simpler and more efficient. The techniques are especially useful in configuring a software application that is complex and may involve multiple steps to configure the application properly. The techniques provide both a design-time software tool that is used to design the software configuration program and a run-time software tool that is used to manage and control the execution of the software configuration program.